Doumen seeking World domination
The trio are part of a five-strong French raiding party in the Cheltenham contest for which 50 entries were announced yesterday.
And Baracouda, winner of the three-mile highlight in 2002 and 2003, is set to head straight to the Festival without being seen on the track since November.
“So far things are going all right and the horse is in very good form,” said Doumen.
“He’s enjoying his break and will go straight for the World Hurdle as I know he’s a better horse when fresh.”
Millenium Royal, winner of a Grade One event at Auteuil last November, is a 20-1 chance with the sponsors and is likely to have a first taste of Cheltenham on January 28.
There is a record 13-strong Irish-trained entry including Golden Cross, Asian Maze, Strangely Brown, Rosaker and Al Eile.
David Johnson believes Korelo will need to have the mud flying if he is to be competitive. The eight-year-old is one of four entries for the owner and after finishing fifth last year could be joined by It Takes Time, Classified and Standin Obligation.
Their trainer Martin Pipe also has Westender and Lough Derg engaged.
The 50 entries are 15 more than in 2005 and although last year’s winner Inglis Drever will be absent through injury, stablemates No Refuge, Akilak and Royal Rosa provide trainer Howard Johnson with a strong back-up team.
Rhinestone Cowboy is one of four Jonjo O’Neill-trained possibles alongside star novice hurdler Black Jack Ketchum, Exotic Dancer and Fire Dragon.
The form of the Grade One totesport Long Walk Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27 is well represented by the winner My Way De Solzen, second-placed Neptune Collonges, Starzaan (3rd), Brewster (5th), Carlys Quest (6th) and Mistanoora (7th).
